Automatic glass washing and sterilizing machine



July 24, 1951 J. A. NEGRI Y 2,561,631

AUTOMATIC GLAss WASHING AND STERILIZING MACHINE Filed Dec. 27, 1944 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 /3 iii/ '.n

J. A. NEGRI July 24, 1951 AUTOMATIC GLASS WASHING AND STERILIZING MACHINE Filed Dec. 27, 1944 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 JOHN A NEGRI INVENTOR.

July 24, 1951 J. A. NEGRI 2,561,631

AUTOMATIC GLASS WASHING AND STERILIZING MACHINE Fired nec. 27, 1944 7 sheets-sheet s IN VEN TOR.

Y I JOHN A.NEGR1,

July 24, 1951 y AUTOMATIC Filed Dec. 27, 1944 J. A. NEGRI 2,561,631

cLAss WASHING AND STERILIZING MACHINE 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Zena JOHN A NEGRI INVENTOR.

July 24, 1951 .1. A. NEGRI 2,551,631

AUTOMATIC GLASS WASHING AND STERILI'ZING MACHINE I 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Deo. 27, 1944 JOHN A NEGRI,

` INVENTOR.

. TTRNEY J. A. NEGRI July 24, 1951 AUTOMATIC GLASS WASHING AND STERILIZING MACHINE Filed Dec. 27, 1944 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 JO'HNA'.NE6RI,

INVENTOR.

rronNeY July 24, 1951 J. A. NEGRI 2,561,631

AUTOMATIC GLASS WASHING AND STEIRILIZING MACHINE Filed nec. 27, 1944 '1 sheets-sheet 7 //57,\/A 4x /ms f i 99d LAI-:..- y 15o J0HNA.NL'6R1, IN VEN TOR.

K/ In!` fatented July 24, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE AUrMA'rlo GLASS wAsmNG AND s'rEmuziNG MACHINE J olin A. Negri, Santa Monica, Calif.

Application December 27, 1944, Serial No. 569,995

. 19 Claims. l My invention relates to washing and sterilizing machines and more particularly to a machine better suited for washing and sterilizing glassware commonly used for beverage purposes in public or private establishments such as bars, restaurants, beverage fountains, hotels, clubs and the like.

Correct sanitation has become a major con.

cern both to the operators and the health authorities. Practically all communities now have specific laws governing this subject. Proper sterilization eliminates harmful bacteria, which otherwise might be transferred from one person to another.

Heretofore, it has been' the customl of such establishments as those already mentioned. to have their glassware washed and sterilized manually. The major drawback to this method, aside from the cost of labor. is the limitations which the human hand can endure in the temperature of the water and the strength of the sterilizing solution contained therein.

There are some establishments which, at present, have in use mechanical devices for washing and sterilizing. However, these devices require a great deal of attention to operate, and are de signed primarily for washing dishes with the aid of soap. Because soap is considered impractical for washing glassware, some operators substitute one of the more satisfactory chemicals for the soap in their dishwashing machines, although this is costly since the solution is either dissipated or its, effectiveness is greatly minimized after each operation, making it necessary to supply to the solution new quantities of the chemical from time to time.

The present invention is designed to aid in overcoming these disadvantages, as vfollows: by providing a machine embodying the automatic operation of washing, sterilizing and rinsingin a series of unbroken cycles during which rest periods occur in the individual cycles permitting a thorough washing, sterilizing and rinsing of the objects being cleansed unless such a cycle is for some reason interrupted, and if interrupted an automatic mechanism provided for the purpose restores the machine parts to their original positions whereupon to perform a complete operational cycle when the machine is again put into operation; by providing a machine embodying the automatic operation of a series of signal indications to indicate the status quo of the machine when its master switch has been closed; by providing a machine embodying the automatic operation ot draining the sterilizing solution from by providing means automatically actuable for filling the sterilizing tank with fresh water upon the completion of the predetermined number of usings of the chemical solution contained therein and while at the same time de-actuating other mechanism and operating a signal to indicate to the'operator that certain requirements in the operation of the machine must be met before it can again be put into effective operation; and providing further means manually operable, when the machines master switch is open, to flush at will the sterilizing tank, and means automatically responsive to the actuation of said manually operable means to drain the sterilizing tank of said ushing solution.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention still further resides in the novel arrangement and novel combination of parts and the novel details of construction hereinafter more fully described and claimed, it being understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in possible various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purposes of description and not of limitation, and it is not intended to limit the herein claimed invention beyond the requirements of prior art.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate what is at present deemed to be a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. l is a vertical midsection of the complete machine, showing the top cover closed.

Fig. 2 is a section on line 2-2 of Fig. l, on a smaller scale, with the cover open.

Fig. 3 is a plan of the machine as viewed from line 3--3 on Fig. 2.

Figs. 4 and 5 are sections taken respectively on section indicating lines 4-4 and 5 5 on Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged section taken on line 6--6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a complete diagram of the electrical wiring.

Fig. 8 is a section of a portion of the timing device taken on the planes indicated by angular line 8--8 on Fig. 6.

Figs. 9 and 10 are portioned sections of the timing device taken respectively on lines 9 9 and lll-I0 of-Fig. 6.

arsenaal Fig. l1 is a view in the right hand portion of which is shown the block out switch for controlling the number of times the machine will operate on one preparation of the sterilizing solution, and' y device taken on line lil-i3 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary vertical section illustrating a cover operable switch control means for putting the machine into operation, by the closing movement of the cover.

Fig. 15 is a front view of a float-actuated switch operating means (84 of Fig. 6).

Fig. 16 is a side elevation of the parts shown L in Fig. 15.

- Fig. 17 is a fragmentary section of a portion of the timing device taken on line il--Il of Fig. 6. Fig. 18 is a fragmentary section of a portion of the timing device taken on line IB--Il of Fig. 6. Fig. 19 is a fragmentary sectional view of the block out switch and operating means therefor,

`a portion of the structure shown being sectioned on line l9--l9 of Fig. 1l. This view includes a fragmentary portion of the front wall of the casing F (Fig. 2) to which the device is attached.

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary plan view taken on line 20-20 of Fig. 6.

Referring in detail to the drawing, the preferred form of the invention therein shown cornprises an upstanding rectangularly shaped supporting casing A, the upper portion of which carries the glassware receptacle B, subjacent to which is the drawer-like strainer tray C, spaced below which is the spout-carrying drain pan D. Below said drain pan is located the combination pump and motor E, and the casing F which contains the timing mechanism G together with the driving means H therefor, said means and mechanism being both detailed in Fig. 6.

The upper end of the casing A is provided with a spacious rectangular opening, there being.

mounted in the rear side portion of said opening a stationary arcuate sheath I of the roll-top desk type with which cooperates the segmentally cylindrical, pivotally mounted cover member Il' having an operating handle l2.

Within the aforesaid opening in the top of the casing A is fitted in a fixed manner a rectangular angle iron rixn member I3 within which is removably seated the tray portion i4 of the glassware receptacle B, said tray having a screen floor I to support glassware (samples i5 and and I1 of which are shown) during the cleansing operation.

Subjacent to said rim member and to the tray I4 supported thereon is mounted a drainage apron which is downwardly inclined from front to rear, the front side of said apron having across it a horizontal flange 2| which is welded or otherwise secured to the overlying part of the rim member I3. Along its lower side portion said apron is furnished with a downwardly directed lip 22 at the front side of a spacious discharge opening 23, the back side of said opening being bounded by the lower end portion of the aforementioned arcuate door sheath Ill. The front part of said apron is stepped downwardly at 24 so as to prov-ide an operating clearance for the revolvable spray arms 25 rotatably carried by the upper end of a supply pipe 26. Said spray arms are shown having rows of spray openings 2l disposed in such a manner that they direct inclined streams of the spray against the glassware and at the same time cause the reactive force caused by the issuing liquid to rotate said spray arms, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 3. The object of causing this automatic rotation of the spray arms is to distribute the cleansing fluid over the glassware in a more even, efficient manner.

The liquid flowing oil from the apron 20 is directed into the strainer unit C to the right and left sides of which are' attached horizontal runners (see Fig. 2), each runner sliding between an upper guide rail 3| and lower guide rail 32 attached to its side of the casing (see Fig. 2). Owing to this arrangement the operator, by grasping the handle 33 carried by the front wall 34 of this unit, can withdraw the whole unit from the casing to the desired extent, this being necessary when removing from the screen portion 35 of this unit any debris which has collected thereon. Said screen 35 is shown inclined downwardly from rear to front so that any refuse matter deposited thereon will have a tendency to wash forwardhf and away from the spot on the screen where the water or solution rst falls. This unit C includes side walls 36 and a back wall 3l of less height than its front wall 34, and also a hopper like bottom wall or floor portion 38 having a central discharge spout 39. The units front wall 34 is furnished with a downward extension 40 to close the spacious opening required in the front of the casing for the complete withdrawal of the unit.

Subjacent to the unit C the casing is provided with an internal ledge 4I which supports the rectangular pan member 42 of the drainage unit D, substantially all portions of said pan inclining downwardly toward its center where it is furnished with a short. downwardly directed stationary outlet spout 43. A broadly cup-shaped hanger 45 has around its upper end a flange 45 welded or otherwise secured to the bottom of the pan 42 radially spaced away from said outlet spout 43. This cup-shaped hanger is furnished with a spacious, circular central opening which receives the upper end portion of an inclined swingable spout 41, the upper end of this spout loosely surrounding said stationary spout 43 and being furnished with an external bearing flange 48 which rests turnably upon the bottom of said cup-shaped hanger 45.

Below the swingable spout 41 is stationed a rectangular tank 50 which is close-d in on all sides except for an arcuate slot 5| (see Fig. 5). Below said slot this tank is furnished with a partition 52 which extends completely thereacross, but terminates in a downwardly spaced relation to the top of the tank. Said partition divides the tank into a compartment 53 for the sterilizing liquid 54, and a drain compartment 55. The reason for terminating the partition 52 below the top of the tank is to permit any abnormal excess amount of the liquid in the compartment 53 to overflow into said drain compartment. The aforesaid arcuate slot 5| has one end portion directly under the path along which the discharge end of the spout 41 swings, and is so positioned that said spout when in the full line position of Fig. 1 will discharge therethrough into the drain compartment 55 and when said spout is in the vdotted line position of said view will discharge into the compartment 53 which contains the sterilizer.

S'aid swingable spout carries a downwardly directed stud 56 (see Fig. 10) to which is pivotally connected the arm 51 of the spout-swinging mechanism, later described in detail.

The aforesaid drain compartment 55 has an outlet pipe 58 connecting it to the drain pipe 59. The sterilizing compartment or reservoir 53 also has an outlet pipe section 60 in communication with the drain pipe 59. Said pipe section 60 is furnished with a normally closed, solenoid operable drain valve 6|. Said tank 50 has a hinged lid 62 to cover an opening in its top wall 63, said lid being located near the cabinet door 64, in order that the attendant may Conveniently from time to time supply the required chemical to the sterilizing solution.

At times it is desirable to flush out the tank compartment 53 in order to maintain it in a condition of maximum sanitation. For this purpose a hot water pressure supply line 65 is led through the back of the mai'i casing and is led angularly to a quadrilaterally arranged spray pipe 66 which is furnished with rows of spraying openings 61 positioned to direct the cleansing spray against the inner surfaces of all four Walls of the tank.

`The purpose of this spraying arrangement is to prevent scale, alkali or other foreign matters from adhering to the walls of the tank, as well as to facilitate cleaning the tank. The hot water supply pipe 65 is provided with a normally closed, solenoid operated water valve 68 current to which is either manually or automatically controlled, in the manner hereinafter described.

As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 5, the hot water supply pipe 65 has a horizontal branch 69 which leads therefrom interiorly of the casing but between the solenoid controlled valve 68 and the adjacent wall of the casing. Said branch pipe 69 leads around an adjacent corner of the casing and is continued as a vertical run 10 which communicates with a horizontal pipe section 1| which terminates in a T-fitting 12, this fitting communicating with the lower end of the already mentioned supply pipe 26 for the rotatable spray pipe 25. Said pipe section 1| is furnished with a normally closed solenoid operated valve 13, and with a check valve 14, the latter valve being between said T-ftting and valve 13, and permitting flow toward said T-tting.

From the opposite end of said T-tting leads a horizontal pipe section 15 which is continued as downward run 16 which connects with the combination pump-motor E. Said pipe section 15 is provided with a check valve 11 which permits flow toward the T-tting 12. The pump-motor entrains liquid from the reservoir 53 through a suction pipe 18 which is surrounded by a screen sleeve 19, spaced outwardly therefrom, to prevent foreign matter from being pumped from said reservoir.

Automatic means, operable by the emptying of the reservoir 53, is provided to resupply water to said reservoir and to actuate a signal to notify the attendant to place additional sterilizing chemical into the water in said reservoir. This means includes a float-carrying lever 8| pivoted between its ends to a bracket 82 secured to the top wall of said reservoir. To the outer end of the short arm of said lever is pivoted a bifurcated rod 83 which actuates a standard liquid-level or oat-controlled switch 84. Said switch (through a circuit described later) directs current through one of its contacts to the yellow lamp 85 carried by the signal board 88 (see Fig. l2), thus indicating to the attendant that a new supply of sterilizing chemical needs to be added to the bod-y of hot water automatically reintroduced into said reservoir.

Describing further the signal board 86, in addition to said yellow lamp this board carries a white lamp 81, a red lamp 88, a green lamp 89 and the master switch 90; the operation of these parts carried by said board being described later in connection with the wiring diagram.

After a predetermined number of usings of the sterilizing solution 54 the machine automatically empties the reservoir 53. This is predetermined by the attendant setting a knob 9| carrying an indicating pointer 92. Said pointer cooperates with a graduated dial 93 located in a manually accessible situation on the front end of the housing F of the timing mechanism, as shown in Fig. 2. If the sterilizing solution possesses a high degree of potency the pointer will be set for a greater number of usings than if the solution were less potent, the dial being shown constructed to preindicate any desired number of usings up to twenty-two times.

Referring to Figs. 1l and 19, underlying and attached to the knob 9| by a shaft 94 is an approximately semicircular, contact-making plate 95 which turns with said knob and carries a globular, spring-pressed centering ball 96 which is at all times partly contained within a socket 96a within the back portion of said plate. Said ball cooperates with a series of indentations 91 to keep the straight edge of said contact plate after adjustment always circumferentially between consecutive points of the two series of arcuately arranged contact points 98 and 98a carried by the insulating plate 99. This multiple contact device also includes an insulating plate 99a in a parallel, spaced relation to said plate 99.

The block out switch plates 99 and 99a are shown mounted between four circumferentially spaced clips 99e fastened by screws to the front end wall 99d of the timing mechanism casing. Said clips have radially projecting flanges 99j to receive said screws.

Describing next the switch operating means whereby the machine is automatically put into operation by closing the door a pendant, swingable plate |00 (see Fig. 14) is pivotally attached at |0| to the front portion of the casing. This plate is normally held at a backward inclination by reason of its front surface being engaged by the rear arm of an angularly S-shaped lever |02 which is pivotally supported at its lower angle on a pin |03. The lower end of this lever is in turn pivoted to the upper end of a vertical rod |04 working in guides |05 in opposition to the tension spring |06 and pivotally connected at its lower end to a bell crank lever |01 in turn pivoted to a horizontal rod |08 which is the final member of the rod assembly and operates the starting switch |09 (see Fig. 6) which sets into operation the motor ||0, which drives the timing mechanism G.

The rectangular casing F of the timing mechanism, illustrated in vertical section in Fig. 6, is shown having a vertical bearing supporting member I which extends from the top to the bottom of said casing and a horizontal combined brace bar and bearing support |I2 one end of which is secured to said member and the opposite end of which is secured to the adjacent end wall of the casing.

Within the lower right hand corner portion of 7 said casing as viewed in Fig. 8 is mounted the already mentioed motcr which .drives the timing mechanism shown in said casing leftward of the bearing support The motor shaft ||3 has fixed to it a worm ||4 which meshes with a worm gear ||5 fixed to a primary power transmission shaft ||6, the latter shaft being supported near its upper end by a bearing ||1 carried bythe aforesaid brace bar ||2. the lower end portion of this shaft passing through a combined bearing and bracket ||9 carried by the member To the upper end of shaft Ill'is secured a bevel gear ||9 which meshes with a bevel gear |24 fixed to a stub shaft |2| the bearing |22 of which :is carried by the member I. To the left end of said stub shaft is secured a pinion |23 (see also Fig. 8), in mesh with a large gear |24 loosely mounted upon the right end portion of a shaft |26, which has its right end portion bearing in-the member shaft having its bearing in the left hand end of the casing of the timing mechanism.

Said large gear |24 carries adjacent to its periphery a laterally projecting pin |26 upon which is mounted a spring-tensioned dog |21 which'cooperates with a ratchet wheel |28 fixed to shaft |25. Adjacent to said ratchet wheel a bevel gear wheel |29 is keyed to the shaft |25, the latter gear meshing with a horizontal bevel gear |30 which has attached to it by pins |3| an underlying shuttle member |32, detailed in Fig. 10. An upstanding bearing structure |33 rotatably supports said gear and shuttle, said bearing structure having a diametrically reduced upper end portion |331: comprising said rotatable support.

Said shuttle member |32 has cut into its lower face a cam groove made up of an arcuate portion |35 with a large radius in relation to a shorter arcuate groove |36, both of these being concentric to the axis of rotation of the shuttle member; there being two short twin groove sections |31 whereby the long and short arcuate grooves are united so as to make an endless track for a cam roller |30 which workingly fits into the complete groove. Said cam roller is carried by one end of an arcuate lever |39 fulcrume'zi between its ends upon the bearing ey.- tension |401: of a pedestal |40 and having its opposite end pivoted to the already mentioned spout-swinging arm 51 which is connected to the already mentioned stud 56 carried by the swingable spout 41.

A ratchet wheel |4| at times acts upon a spring-pressed pawl |42 mounted upon a pin |43 carried by the peripheral portion of the gear |29. Said ratchet wheel has a leftward cylindrical hub extension |44 to which is fixed a gear |45, the double-wheel assembly thus provided being rotatably mounted upon the shaft |25. Said gear |45 is at times acted upon by the rack-carrying arm |43 (Fig. i3) operable by a solenoid |41. The outer end of said arm, in relation to said solenoid, has a rightangularly directed extension |48 upon which is pivotally mounted a small roller or wheel |49. Spring |50 restores arm |46 to normal position after retraction. Said spring acts between the solenoid and a disk |50a on arm |45.

The restoring mechanism which is now being described includes a lever assembly of which a cam-faced arm |5| forms a part, this arm having a cam shoulder |52 near one of its ends which is operatively related to the aforesaid roller |49. ,'Ihis mechanism (which includes other parts wall |. and the left end of said 8 presently to be described) constitutes a means for returning the timing device shaft |25 to its starting point if the cycle of operation of said device is interrupted by lifting the cover before a completion of the cycle. In this event the solenoid |41 becomes energized and its pull on the rack member |46 causes said member to rotate the aforesaid gear |45 in a clockwise manner (see arrow Fig. 13), turning with it ratchet wheel |4| which thereby causes the main shaft |25 to turn forward. At the beginning of this operation the leftward movement of roller |49 will cause said roller to act upon cam shoulder |52 of the lever arm |5|. As the opposite end of arm |5| is pivotally supported at |5|p upon a standard |53 this cam action will depress the obtusely angular bar |54 to the lower end of which the arm |5| is pivoted, and said bar will. in turn, swing downwardly the long end of stop lever |55 pivotally supported between its ends by a horizontal arm |56 that projects laterally from a pendant. elongated bearing member or hanger |51 which depends from the top wall |51:c`

and which stabilizes the midlength portion of the main shaft |25. Said pendant bearing member |51 is made sufficiently broad from front to rear in relation to the casing to support the other bearing means hereinafter mentioned as connected therewith; The long arm of stop lever |55 has pivoted to it a gravity controlled terminal finger or pawl |58 which cannot swing down out of alinement with said lever because of the pawls straight shoulder |56a abutting the adjacent shoulder |588 of the lever |55, but will swing up as provided for by the rounded shoulder |56b in case the tooth |60 of wheel |6| is vertically subjacent to it at a time when the long arm of lever |55 is tilted downwardly. A tension spring |62 connects the short arm of lever |55 with the bent portion of bar |54. Said wheel |6| is fixed to main shaft |25 and when the rotation of said wheel is arrested by pawl |58 determines the stopping point of said shaft when the restoring device has operated to return the tlming mechanism to its starting point. When the solenoid is de-energized, as described later in connection with the wiring diagram, the spring |50 will act upon rack bar |46 to return the restoring assembly shown in Fig. 13 to normal position.

Depression of lever |5| tilts upwardly its heel portion |5|a thereby raising extension |631: of switch |63 (see wiring diagram, Fig. 7).

Naming them from left to right, three cam wheels |65, |66 and |61 are shown in the left hand portion of`the timing mechanism keyed to the main shaft |25, which respectively operate somewhat L-shaped switch operating arms or levers |68, |69, |10 and |19, levers |69. |69 and |19 being rockably mounted on a rear countershaft |1|, and lever |10 being mounted on a front countershaft I'Hx. These four levers respectively cooperate with switch contacts |12, |13, |14 and |16, contacts |12, |13 and |19 being attached to a rear overhead bracket |15, but paired contacts |14, as viewed in Fig. 6, being nearer to the observer and being supported by a different bracket |151'. (See Fig. 17.)

In Fig. 9 is detailed the means for operating the contacts |12, this means being duplicative of the adjacent means for operating the contacts |13, except as to the location of the actuating cam. This means for operating said contacts |12 includes a bifurcated downward extension |69b carried by the outer end of the horizontal limb |68a of the lever |68, said extension carrying an antifriction roller |16 acted upon by cam projections |65a and |651) each time cam wheel |66 rotates, there being a dwell |65cl between said cam projections.` Said lever |68 carries a globular knob |11 at its upper end which operates the adjacent arm of the switch |12.

. In Fig. 9 the second lever |69 (see Fig. 6) is concealed by the lever |68 but the lower part of the rst cam wheel |65 is broken away to disclose a portion of the secondcam wheel |66 together with its single cam projection |66a having a longer operating face. It may be said here that all the cam projections of the cam wheels secured to shaft |25 occupy the proper circumferential positions in relation to said shaft and have cam faces of proper lengths to close they various switches they operate at the proper times and for intervals cf the proper length.

The already mentioned cam wheel |61 is provided with a single cam projection |61a and is operatively related to the pair of switch arms |14 by means of the already mentioned lever |10, which lever though L-shaped in its upper part, has a reverse front-to-rear position. This lever'carries at the lower end of its downward extension |10b an operating roller |18y and at its upper end an operating knob |11:c.

As viewed in Fig. 6 the left hand portion of the rear switch supporting bracket |15 is uncovered by reason of a part of the front bracket |153: being broken away. Fig. l11 illustrates how the concealed portion of said bracket |15 supports an assembly of switch arms |18 which is operated by an angular lever |19. This lever is similar, both in form and front-to-rear positioning, to the lever |68 of Figs. 6 and 9, and therefore need not be further described, except to say that the roller |181: which it carries at its lower end is acted upon by the cam projection |61a a little before said projection reaches the roller |1811 of lever |18.

The switch arm assemblies |12, |13, |14 and |18 are shown in a left to right sequence in the upper portion of the wiring diagram (Fig. 7), which is the same sequence as that in which they appear in 6, except that in the latter view the switch assembly |18 is not seen because it is concealed by the switch assembly |14. As these switch structures are of a conventional character they will be readily understood from the wiring diagram when their operation is later described. Reference has already been made to a float-operated rod 83 which at time operates a switch mechanism 84, the latter being illustrated in detail in Figs. 15 and i6. Following up the operating means for this switch from said rod 83, this rod has a diametrically reduced threaded axial extension |88 surrounded loosely by a sleeve |8| against each end of which abuts a collar |82, said sleeve being adjustably secured to said rod by nuts |83. This sleeve has a very loose t through the outer end of the horizontal arm of an L-shaped lever |85, the outer end of the vertical arm of said lever carrying a knob |86 engageable with the switch 84. Said L-shaped lever is rockably supported at the junction of its arms by a pivot |81 carried by the board |88 upon which the switch is mounted. This part of the lever carries a downwardly directed pointed extension |88 which cooperates with a snap-action ball |88 mounted in a socketed member |9| attached to the board |88 and supported by a spiral compression spring |92. The rocking movements of the lever |85 Describing more in detail the liquid levelc controlled switch structure 84, this switch comprises a horizontal bracket member 84x attached to the board |88 and pendantly supporting the series of parallel, widely spaced apart contactcarrying spring arms a, b, c, and d, the lower ends of which are connected by a crossbar 8411 having at one end an angularly directed abutment flange 842 against which the knob |86 acts, said knob being withdrawn therefrom when a rise in liquid level causes the upper collar |82 to swing lever in a clockwise direction. Said pendant arms and crossbar structure is so.ten sioned` as normally to move somewhat to the right of the neutral position thereof, shown in Fig. 15, and when it so moves three circuits are closed through the cooperation of, intermediate contact-carrying arms f, g andi which respectively cooperate with said contact-carrying arms a, b and c. When the liquid level falls, the

weight of the float raises the short arm of ther lever which carries the float, thus raising rod 83 and causing the lower collar |82 carried thereby to raise the lower end of the L-shaped lever |85 thus forcing the knob |86 against the movable contact arm assembly and causing its contactcarrying arms c and d to respectively make contact with contact-carrying arms h and y' provided for 'the purpose of controlling two circuits in addition to opening the three circuits which have already been mentioned.

The plate or switch-mounting board |88 is shown supported from the top wall |513: of the casing for the timing mechanism by suitable bracket structures |85.

In the upper portion of Fig. 6 is shown a conventional relay switch structure 28| which is detailed in Fig. 18. This switch structure forms part of the means for stopping the operation of the timing device after a complete cycle as Well as other functions hereinafter described. It is supported, in part, from the wall |511: by suitable bracket structures 283, and is furnished with an additional lower supporting means of the nature of a bracket arm |84 extending horizontally from the hanger |51. A clamp structure 205 surrounds the magnet 286 and has paired lower arms 281 through which said arm |84 projects, clamping nuts 288 securing said clamp structure to said arm. When current is supplied to the magnet 286 of this switch structure through a circuit controlled as later described, its armature 2|8 is attracted and swings the contact-controlling frame 2|| thus opening switches 28|c and 28|d and closing switches 28|a and 28|b.

The conventional switch structures 284, 223, 222 and 22| are located in the timing device casing F rearwardly of relay switch structure 28|. Except for the number of contacts the aforesaid four switch structures are all constructed the same as the relay 28|. Therefore, the latter relay having already been described, the remaining relays will not be described except in regard to their operation, which will be given in connection with the operation of the device explained in connection with the wiring diagram.

After the master switch 90 (upper left hand portion of Fig. 1) has been turned on, the sterilizing solution prepared in the tank 53, and glassware placed upside down on tray I4, the machine is ready to perform the required operation.

The closing down of top cover I| presses plate `|II outward which operates `the rod assembly shown in Fig. 14 to in turn actuate switch |03 which sets the timing device in motion.

The first phase in the cycle of operation is the opening of electric valve 13. This allows hot water to come into the machine through pipes 55 and 10, past check valve 14 and to be elected out of spray arms 25 against the glassware. Check valve 11 prevents water from ilowlng into piping 15. After the water is ejected it drops down onto slanting apron 20 and flows out of the wide outlet 23 which diffuses it into strainer tray C. The water next passes through the close mesh screen 35, but any refuse matter remains above the screen. The water then flows out through outlet 33, through swing-spout 41, and into the small tank 55, whence it drains out into pipe l and empties into the sewer line pipe 53. Valve 13 will remain open for approximately ninety seconds, after which it closes. and water will drain out of the machine for a period of about twenty seconds.

After the twenty second draining period, the swing-spout 41 is automatically moved to its alternate position over tank 53. This is the second phase in the cycle of operation. The pump E operates sucking the solution from tank 53 through pipe 13, ejects it through pipes 13, 15 past check valve 11 and it is finally ejected out of revolving spray arms 25 against the glassware. Check valve 14 prevents solution from flowing into piping 1 I. After being ejected, the solution drops onto apron and ows out through its spout 23 and into tray C. It then passes through strain e1' screen 35, out of spout 33, through swing-spout 41 and back into the tank 53. The sterilizing solution makes this circuit for a period of approximately three minutes, after which the pump E stops and the solution is allowed to drain back into tank 53 for a period of about twenty seconds.

'I'his second draining period is followed by the third phase in the cycle of operation. The swingspout 41 is automatically returned to its first position over the small tank 55. Electric valve 13 opens permitting hot water to be ejected from the revolving spray arms 25 again. This rinsing operation lasts about thirty seconds after which valve 13 closes. The glassware has now been washed, sterilized and rinsed.

The above described cycle of operation can be repeated for as many times as is predetermined in the setting of the dial pointer 32 shown in Fig. 1l before it becomes necessary to place additional sterllizlng chemical in the tank 53.

When the predetermined number of cycles of yoperation have been executed, electric drain valve 0| will open and the solution in the tank 53 will drain out through sewer line pipe 53 and into the sewer. As the float-ball reaches the bottom in the emptying of tank 53, electric valve 53 is openedand water flowing in through pipes 65 and 65x is ejected from pipe 56 in a spray against all four walls. After the water has flowed for a few moments thereby rinsing out tank 53, valve 5| which embodies a slow releasing solenoid, closes. Water continues to ow until it has reached its proper full level in the tank 53 and oat-ball is raised to its height limit. Then valve 53 closes and after chemical has been placed in the tank 53 and the electric button 2 I5 has been pressed the machine is in readiness to continue operations.

Except for the obviously necessary manual closing of cover Il, placing chemical in tank 53 and pressing the button 2 I5, the above described mechanical functlonings arelall performed automatically, being controlled by the timing device shown in Fig. 6.

For the purpose of simplicity in illustrating the switching arrangements, only one side of the low voltage line beyond the transformer 2|1 (upper right hand portions of Figs. 6 and 7), is drawn. To avoid a superfluous amount of lines the other side is illustrated as negative and going to ground.

Commenclng with the ordinary volt alternating current line coming into the machine through fuses 2|3, the voltage is reduced to lower voltage by said transformer 2|1. The master switch 30 is indicated in the on position by the full line and in the off position by the dotted line. All switches shown in Fig. 7 are in position to correspond with the starting point of the timing device.

Switch |03 (see also Fig. 14), is the switch affected by the closing of the cover When the cover is open said switch is closed at |I|3a and open at |0317. This switch is inoperative if 204b or 34! is open. Switch 204b is open when the tank 53 is in the process of being emptied and lled, and remains open after this process until button 2|5 is pressed. Switch 34! is open when the float-ball is down and the tank 53 is empty. When the master switch 30 is on, switch 2Mb closed and 34! closed, then |||3a closed will light green light 33. 'I'he closing of cover I| will open switch contact |03a and close |03b of the starting switch |03. This operation starts motor H and energizes light 33, provided that contacts |33?) and 20|c remain closed. Switch |531) is open when the restoring device shown in Fig. 13 is operating.

Switch 20|c opens when the timing device has completed a cycle of operation, this being associated with the means for automatically stopping the timer motor H after a complete cycle of operation.

The means for stopping operation of the timing device after a complete cycle is through the medium of roller |51, rocker arm |13 and switch |13. During operation of the timing device, rocker arm |13 is in normal position and not on the raised section of roller |81 just before stopping, and contacts |13a and |18b are closed and contact I13c is open. As said rocker arm lifts, it closes I18c and there is a momentary contact between |13c and |131) just before |10b opens. This momentary contact energizes magnet on relay switch 20| lifting the armature. Closing of switch 20|b immediately will hold this relay armature closed, and will also energize white light 31. Closing of switch 20|a energlzes magnet 220m causing the stepping switch to move one step forward. The opening of contact 20|d is for the purpose of delaying the action on the drain valve 5| when the stepping switch 220 has reached this step, until the cover is lifted Yand white light 31 is out. As arm |13 drops ofl.'

of raised section, another momentary contact is made by |13b and |18c. However, since rocker arm |10 follows rocker arm |13 over the raised section, contact |14 will be open as arm |13 drops oi, and the momentary contact of I13b and |13c will have no eiect upon relay 20|.

Switch |12 regulates water valve 13. Switch |13 regulates the operation of pump E through relay switch 22|, because of the requirement for 110 volts to operate the pump motor.

After the timing device has started operating for several moments, rocker arm |19 will have dropped off the raised portion |61a of roller |61,

= and contact |18a will be closed. If between this time and the time that the timing deviceautomatically stops, the cover II should be. raised, closing contact |09a, the solenoid |41 of the restoring device will be energized. Action on member closes |63a and opens |6311. Opening of -|53b makes it impossible for the timing device to operate while the restoring device is operating. Closing I63a assures electrical energy to solenoid |41 until its function is completed, in the event that the cover is closed down quickly breaking contact |09a before the timing device is re,- stored to its starting point. Solenoid I 41 is deenergized when contact |18a is opened.

The stepping switch which controls the number of times that one preparation of the solution in tank 53 can be used, consists of two levels of contacts 220e and 220d with twenty-five sets of contact points in each level. These contacts are closed by wiper 220y for level 220e and a similar wiper (not shown) for level 220d. Both wipers are attached to the shaft 220x and move in unison, each closing one set of contacts at a time on their respective levels. The shaft 220x is. activated by the action of the armature and pawl assembly 220n on ratchet 2201', the magnet 220m providing the motivating force. The magnet 220m is energized at the conclusion of each operational cycle by the closing of Ia, moving the wipers one step forward on the levels 220e and 2201i. Should the switch 90 be turned to the off position, then the magnet will be energized through any of the first twenty-two sets of contacts on level 220e. tion results on ratchet 220r because of the electrical energy being conducted through the interrupter switch 220e, until the wiper 220y reaches contact 220i where motion stops.

When contact 220f is closed, contact 220i is likewise closed, which energizes relay 222 thereby opening drain valve 6|. When the solution in tank 53 is drained out, the action of the liquid level switch 84, by the opening of 84g will deenergize relay 222, thereby allowing drain valve 6| to close. This last mentioned function is independent of the position of the master switch 90. However, at the conclusion of this function all operations will cease if the switch 90 is in the off position. If the switch 90 is in the on position, operation of the timing device will proceed automatically. The closing of contact 84h provides electrical energy through contact 220! which is already closed to magnet 220m for moving it one step forward. This closes contacts 220g and The closing of 2207 cnergizes relay 223, which by the closing of 223a opens water valve 68, It will be observed that the energizing of 223 closes 223|), and the energizing of relay 222 closes contact 2221). These two contacts 223b and 222b, when closed serve to energize relay 204. The opening of contact 2041) will make it impossible for the motor of the timing device to operate if the cover should happen to be closed-at this time, closing contact |391). The closing of contact 2G4a lights the yellow light 85.

After the Water valve 08 has been open suflicient time to provide the required amount of water in tank 53 to raise the float-ball to the point of activating the liquid-level switch 84, contact 841' will close, con-ducting electricity through contact 220g which is already closed to magnet 220m, thereby causing the wipers to move one step Continuous rotating acforward. This will now place the wipers over contacts 220h and 220k. The opening of 2207' deenergizes relay 223, allowing water valve '60 to close; The closing of 220k maintains the relay 2.14 energized. With contact 22011 closed, the pressing of the prime-starting button 2|5 will move the Wipers one step forward, closing the first sets of contacts on 220C level and 220d level. Opening of contact 220k: de-energizes relay 204. opening 204a putting out light (yellow) 85, and closing 2041) permitting the operation of motor IIB if .desired by the closing of switch |0911.

Since it is the last three vsteps in the operation of the stepping switch which are directly 4 related to the emptying and filling of the solution in tank 53, it is obvious that out of a total of twenty-five, the stepping switch must make twenty-two steps before reaching the rtwenty-third contact 2201' which controls ak definite function. This means that in normal operation, with all contacts open in IIB, one preparation of the solution in tank 53 may be used twenty-two times before action takes place to drain and refill said tank.

Now if we assume that twenty-two operations are not desirable and that less than this number are more desirable, the desired number is selected in Fig. 1l and adjustment made by turning the knob 9| and setting the pointer 92 on the selected number. Thus plate 95 closes all contacts except the number of contacts to remain open corresponding to the number selected on 93. Referring to the wiring diagram, for exampfe, if in IIB all contacts numbered 13 to 22 inclusive were closed, and contacts numbered 1 to l2 inclusive were o'pen, then as the wiper closed the first set of contacts on level 220d, which corresponds to contact 22 on IIB, it would cause the manet 220m to be energized, stepping the switch forward. This action would continue until the wiper had reached the eleventh set of contacts on 22011, which corresponds to, number 12 on IB. Action would stop because number 12 on IIB would be open. Thus only twelve steps remain for the stepping switch to make belfort7 reaching the last three functional contacts.

Press-button 2|6 is effective only4 when switch is in the oii" position, and when 847' is closed. It is the means for opening drain valve 6I and water valve 68 simultaneously, when it is desired to clean tank 53 after it has been emptied.

Although the description of the timing device already given will make its operation understood, the following rsum of its operation is added in order to clarify certain particulars thereof.

The timing device is a mechanical instrument for controlling through its relationship with electrical wiring and apparati, the entire automatic operations of the machine. It is driven by a small electric motor H (or IIO), through a series of reduction gears IIS, |20 and |23. One complete revolution of the main shaft |25 corresponds to a complete cycle of operation. The two pawl- Y carrying wheels and ratchets on the shaft are essential to the restoring device. Gear |23 drives larger gear |24, which fioats on the main shaft. Pawl |21 which is attached to gear |24 drives ratchet |28, which is the means for conveying the driving force to the main shaft. Bevel gear |29 is also keyed to the main shaft and drives gear |33 with which it meshes. Pawl |42 which is attached to bevel gear |20 through the medium of the part |43, in normal operation rides over ratchetwheel |4| attached to small gear |45 and both the latter float on the main shaft. At-

15 tached to bevel gear |30 is shuttle |32 which provides; the means for moving the swing-spout 41 to its alternate positions. The rollers |65, |66 and |61 are attached to the main shaft in a manner that their raised sections will lift the rocking arms |58, |69, and |19 in their proper sequence and in lifting, operate switches |12, |13,

tion of roller |48 will depress member |5| downward, which through member |54 will pull stop member |58 down onto roller |6|. When raised section |60 cornes around and stops against member |58 the position of the main shaft will be at its starting point, and the de-energizing of solenoid |41 will permit the restoring assembly (Fig. 13) to return to its normal condition.

What is claimed is:

l. In a machine of the kind described, a casing including a sterilizing tank, means mounted upon said casing to support glassware in an invcrted position for washing, piping supported by said casing and provided with a spray delivery portion positioned to direct a spray against the underside of the aforesaid glassware, said piping communicating with a water pressure supply, a motor driven pump connected with said piping, means to supply a sterilzing solution from said sterilizing tank to said pump, an electrically operated valve for controlling the water supply in said piping, electric means to operate said valve, a mechanical timing device, and conductors forming electric circuits having switches which are operated by said timing device at predetermined intervals to operate said valve and activate the motor of said pump in successive cycles so as to spray said sterilizing solution from said sterilizing tank upon the glassware between times when water is sprayed thereupon from said water pressure supply.

2. The subject matter of claim 1, and said timing device being constructed and arranged to cause a material amount of time to elapse for drainage between the completion of a water spraying operation and the beginning of a spraying on of the sterilizing solution.

3. In a machine of the kind described, a casing, means mounted upon said casing to support glassware in an inverted position for washing, piping supported by said casing and provided with a spray delivery portion positioned to drect a spray against the underside of the aforesaidinverted glassware, a motor driven pump with which said spray delivery portion of said piping is connected, a tank containing a sterilizing solution, conduit means to conduct said solution to said pump, an electric current supply means operatively connected with the motor of said pump, outlet means for said tank, an electric valve device connected with said electric current supply means to open and close said outlet means, and a mechanical timing device constructed and arranged to supply current to operate said pump at intervals a predetermined number of times and thereupon to open said electric valve device and allow the contents of said tank to discharge.

4. The subject matter of claim 3, and said electric supply means including a multiple contact switch which is electrically connected with said timing device and which is settable to predeterminc the number of times said pump will operate to spray said solution upon the glassware before the contents of said tank will discharge.

5. The subject matter of claim 3, and said timing device including a shaft, a motor operatively connected with said shaft to rotate it, a series of cam members mounted on said shaft, and electric switches actuated by said cam members at predetermined intervals and in a predetermined sequence.

6. In a machine of the kind described, a casing, means mounted upon said casing to support glassware in an inverted position for washing, piping supported by said casing and provided with a spray delivery portion positioned to direct a spray against the underside of the aforesaid inverted glassware, a motor driven pump with which said spray delivery portion of said piping is connected, a tank containing a sterilizing solution, conduit means to conduct said solution to said pump, an electric current supply means operatively connected with the motor of said pump, outlet means for said tank, an electric valve device connected wtih said electric current supply means to open and close said outlet means, a rnechanical timing device constructed and arranged to supply current to operate said pump at intervals a predetermined number of times and thereupon to open said electric valve device and allow the contents of said tank to discharge, said piping comprising a second spray delivery portion positioned to direct a cleansing spray of water against the interior of said tank after the aforesaid discharge of the sterilizing solution therefrom, and valve means positioned to control the supply of water to said second spray delivery pipe portion, the latter valve means being operatively related to said timing device and opened by the latter for a short interval only to wash out and for re-fllling said tank after the aforesaid discharge of the contents thereof.

7. The subject matter of claim 6, and a signal means operatively connected with said timing device so as to be actuated thereby upon the aforesaid washing out of said tank.

8. In a machine of the kind described, a casing, means mounted upon said casing to support glasses or like articles in a position to be sprayed, means mounted upon said casing to direct a spray of water upon said articles to perform an initial cleansing operation, means carried by said casing in a cooperative relation to said spraying means to spray a sterilizing solution against said articles subsequently to said water spraying operation, means carried by said casing in a cooperative relation to both of said spraying means to direct a spray of rinsing water upon said articles subsequently to the aforesaid sterilizing operation, and a timing device operatively related to all three of said spraying means to actuate them in a properly timed sequence, said timing device comprising a motor, a shaft continuously rotated thereby during the operation of the machine, a cam wheel mounted on and rotating with said shaft. said cam wheel having a plurality of cam projections which are located in different circumferential positions thereon, means operable by one ol said cam projections to control one of the aforesaid sprayings, and means operable by another of said cam projections to control another of said spraying operations.

9. In a machine of the kind described, the

17 combination with a casing, means mounted thereon to support articles in a position 'to have different cleansing liquids directed against them. a conduit assembly having electrically operable valves to enable said conduit assembly to supply separately in sequence and throughout repeated cycles said cleansing liquids, and delivery means associated with said conduit assembly to direct the supplied liquids against the articles to be cleansed; of a mechanical timing device to operate in proper sequence the valves of said conduit assembly, said timing device comprising a motor, a shaft rotated continuously by said motor during the operation of the machine, a driving bevel gear fixed to said shaft to rotate therewith. a driven bevel gear in mesh with said driving gear', means comprising a shuttle operatively connected to said driven gear, a swingable spout mounted upon said casing in a position to swing to deliver one of said liquids repeatedly to one point of delivery and another of said liquids in the intervening periods to another point of delivery, means operatively connected to said shuttle for moving said swingable spout to and from said alternate positions, and electrical circuits including switching means for operating the aforesaid valves, said switching means being operatively related to said timing device.

10. In a machine of the kind described, a casing, means to support upon said casing articles in a position to have cleansing liquids directed against them. conduit means mounted upon said casing to deliver a plurality of different cleansing liquids against said articles at different consecutive times, thus making up a series of stages of operation in a predetermined number of cycles, a combined mechanical and electrical means mounted upon said casing to control the operation of the aforesaid cycular liquid delivery means, and electric signals operatively connected with the last recited means to visually indicate when the machine is prepared to perform said stages, when the aforesaid various stages are taking place, and when the aforesaid stages have been performed.

ll. The subject matter of claim 10, and a cover supported upon said casing for closing over the space superjacent to the aforesaid articles supported for cleansing, said combined electrical and mechanical means being put into operation by the closing of said cover, and when so put into operation performing a predetermined number of complete said stages of operation unless said cover is in the meantime again opened, said combined electrical and mechanical means including mechanism to restore said combined electrical and mechanical means to normal starting position when said cover is again closed.

l2. In a machine of the kind described, a casing, means to support upon said casing articles in a position to have cleansing liquids directed against them, vconduit means mounted upon said casing to deliver a plurality of different cleansing liquids against said articles at different consecutive times, thus making up a series of stages of operation in a predetermined number of cycles. a combined mechanical and electrical means mounted upon said casing to control the operation of the aforesaid series of stages of operation, electric signals operatively connected with the last recited means to indicate the status quo of the machine, a cover supported upon said casing for closing over the space superjacent to the aforesaid articles supported for cleansing, said combined electrical and mechanical means being put 18 into operation by the closing of said cover, and when so put into operation performing a predetermined number of complete said stages of operation unless said cover is in the meantime again opened, said combined electrical and mechanical means including mechanism to restore said combined electrical and mechanical means to normal starting position when said cover is again closed, at least one of said cleansing liquids being a sterilizing solution, a reservoir from which said solution is supplied and to which it is returned in each of the aforesaid stages of operation, means including a water supply conduit for said reservoir and operable by said combined mechanical and electrical means automatically to empty said tank and refill it with water upon the completion of the aforesaid cycle having a predetermined number of repetitions of the aforesaid stages of operation, and additional signal means operable by said combined mechanical and electrical means to indicate the necessity for re-supplying to said refilled reservoir a sterilizing chemical.

13. The subject matter of claim 12, and an electrically operable valve positioned to control the supply of water through said conduit, said valve being automatically opened by said combined mechanical and electrical means, maintained open till the required amount of water has been resupplied to said tank and then automatically closed by the last recited means.

14. In a machine of the kind described, a casing including a sterilizing solution tank, means mounted upon said casing to support glassware in an inverted position for washing, piping supported by said casing and provided with a spray delivery portion positioned to direct a fluid spray against the underside of the aforesaid inverted glassware, a pipe section having one end portion connectable with a water pressure supply and an opposite end portion connectable with a means for supplying a sterilizing solution from said sterilizing tank under pressure, said spray delivery portion of said piping leading from the midlength portion of said pipe section, a check valve in said pipe section at each side of the midlength portion thereof wherepast to deliver alternately first a water spray from said water supply to said glassware and then a sterilizing spray from said sterilizing tank to said glassware, and a mechanical timing device operatively connected with the water spraying and sterilizing spraying mechanism to time properly the spraying of water and of sterilizing solution upon the glassware.

l5. In a machine of the kind described, a casing, means to support upon said casing articles in a position to have cleansing liquids directed against them, conduit means mounted upon said casing to deliver a plurality of different cleansing liquids against said articles at different consecutive times, thus making up a series of stages of operation in a predetermined number of cycles, a combined mechanical and electrical means mounted upon said casing to control the operation of the aforesaid cycular liquid delivery means, and a cover supported upon said casing for closing over the space superjacent to the aforesaid articles supported for cleansing, said combined electrical and mechanical means being put into operation by the closing of said cover, and when so put into operation performing a predetermined number of complete said stages of operation unless said cover is in the meantime again opened, said combined electrical and mechanical means including mechanism to restore said combined electrical and mechanical means to assassinormal starting position in the event the cycle oi operation oi said machine is interrupted by the lifting oi said cover.

16. In a machine oi the kind described, a casing, means mounted upon said casing to support glassware in a position for washins. piping supported by said casing and provided with a spray delivery portion positioned. to direct a spray against said glassware, a motor driven pump with which said spray delivery portion oi said piping is connected. a tank containing a sterilizing solution, conduit means to conduct said solution to said pump, an electric current supply means operatively connected with the motor of said pump, outlet means for said tank, an electric valve device'connected with said electric current supply means to open and close said outlet means, and a mechanical timing device constructed and arranged to supply current to operate said pump at intervals a predetermined number of times and thereupon to open said electric valve device and allow the contents o! said tank to discharge through its outlet.

17. In a machine of the kind described. a cabinet casing including a drain receptacle and a sterilizing solution tank, a compartment mount- `ed in said casing above said receptacle and tank to enclose objects to be washed, sterilized and rinsed in successive cycles, conduit means carried by said casing to entrain water under pressure into said compartment to wash and rinse said objects, means carried by said easing to conduct `a sterilizing solution into said compartment from said sterilizing solution tank to sterilize objects between said washing and rinsing operations, a common controllable means carried by said casing for alternately conducting from said compartment the washing and rinsing solutions into said drain receptacle and said sterilizing solution into said sterilizing solution tank, and means carried by said casing to automatically empty said sterilizing tank after a predetermined number of usings oi the sterilizing solution contained there- 18. In a machine oi the kind described, a cabinet casing including a drain receptacle and a sterilizing solution tank, a compartment mounted in said casing above said receptacle and tank to enclose objects to be washed, sterilized and rinsed in successive cycles, conduit means carried by said casing to entrain water under pressure into said compartment to wash and rinse said objects, means carried by s aid casing to conduct a sterilizing solution into said compartment from said sterilizing solution tank to sterilize objects between said washing and rinsing operations, a common controllable means carried by said casing for alternately conducting from said compartment the washing and rinsing solutions ini'o said drain receptacle and said sterilizing solution into ,said sterilizing solution tank. and means carried by said casing to automatically empty said sterilizing tank after a predetermined number oi usings of the sterilizing solution contained therein, said means comprising a pointer cooperating with a graduated dial manually settable to the desired number of usings. p

19. In a machine of the kind described..a cabinet casing including a drain receptacle and a sterilizing solution tank. a compartment mounted in said casing above said receptacle and tank to enclose objects to be washed. sterilized and rinsed in successive cycles, conduit means carried by said casing to entrain water under pressure inw said compartment to wash and rinsesaid objects. means carried by said casing to conduct a sterilizing solution into said compartment from said sterilizing solution tank to sterilize objects between said washing and rinsing operations, a common controllable means carried by said casing for alternately conducting from said compartment the washingl and rinsing solutions into said drain receptacle and said sterilizing solution into said sterilizing solution tank, means carried by said casing to automatically empty said sterilizing tank after a predetermined number of usings of the sterilizing solution contained therein, said means comprising a float-carrying lever pivoted between its ends to a bracket carried by the top of said tank, a switch, and means operatively connected to said llever to actuate said switch.

JOHN A. NEGRI.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ille of this patent: y

UNITED STATES PATENTS Ferris uur. sa. 194s 

